Feedback: Allegations against George Cushingberry reflect badly on him, not the city

Jan. 14, 2014

Detroit City Councilman George Cushingberry Jr. talks with a Detroit Free Press reporter in Detroit on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, about a ticket he was issued for failing to use a turn signal. / Jarrad Henderson/Detroit Free Press

Regarding Stephen Henderson and Nancy Kaffer’s column Sunday, “Cushingberry saga is yet another scandal, yet another black eye for Detroit,” let’s be clear: George Cushingberry Jr.’s problems are his own and have no relationship to the behavior of Detroit residents in general. This may be a black eye for Cushingberry, but it’s time for the news media to stop generalizing the poor judgment of some elected officials to the city’s entire population.

In the last election, Detroiters declared their intention to move in a sound, new direction; the misbehavior of one individual won’t hinder our progress.

Sandra Johnson

Detroit

I am a lifelong Detroiter, born and raised. I find that we citizens tend to vote in the past. We need to celebrate those who have honored our city and not the sons and daughters who just carry their name.

Before the last election, some Detroit voters should have looked at those running and asked themselves, “I see a name that is familiar. What has this second- or third-generation name-holder done for the city?”

Gail Purify-Williams

Detroit

I am already disappointed with the decisions of certain City Council members. Instead of being a concerned representative of your district and electing experienced, reasonable and competent people to the positions of president and pro tem, you made back room deals to gain positions of power.

Do the right thing now and call for Cushinberry’s removal. He is already embarrassing the city.

Ann Lee

Detroit

Detroit has made giant steps to recover from years of corruption and mismanagement in their city government. We need leaders with integrity. The fact that Cushingberry had a marijuana smoker in his car as well as an empty alcohol bottle is unacceptable. He does not deserve a chair on City Council — and now he cries racism? If that had been an ordinary citizen, he would be in jail. Detroit Police Chief James Craig must act immediately to find out why he was only ticketed for not using the proper turn signal. There must be complete transparency in this issue or Detroit will never gain the respect of the suburbs.